Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is doubtful to return during the 2022 NBA Playoffs after being diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right knee, the team announced on Tuesday.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
The Grizzlies believe the injury occurred in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Golden State Warriors when Jordan Poole grabbed Morant’s knee in a scrum for the basketball. That has not been confirmed, but Morant exited shortly after and did not play in Game 4, which the Grizzlies lost.
The 22-year-old phenom has averaged 38.3 points, 8.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds in three playoff games against the Warriors. His breakout regular season led to the Kia Most Improved Player award and helped the Grizzlies secure the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
Memphis trails 3-1 in the series against Golden State with Game 5 set for Wednesday night, a win-or-go-home contest for the Grizzlies.
